Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist and activist. The artist’s visual art includes sculptural installations, woodworking, video and photography. As a political activist, he has been highly and openly critical of the Chinese Government’s stance on democracy and human rights. He has investigated government corruption and cover-ups. In 2011, following his arrest at Beijing International Airport, he was held for 81 days without any official charges being filed. Although he is allowed to leave Beijing, the police informed him that he is still prohibited from traveling to other countries because he is “suspected of other crimes,” including pornography, bigamy and illicit exchange of foreign currency. As of 2014, he remains under heavy surveillance and restrictions of movement, but continues to criticize through his work.